In My Humble Opinion...

Photo by Randy Flaum

We hope to see you on October 25 at 7 pm at Zoetropolis for this month’s story slam. The theme is IMHO.

Tickets are on sale now. Please visit our Tickets page to get yours.

Doors will open at 6:30 pm that evening, and we start telling stories at 7 pm.

What type of stories fit the theme IMHO?

We want to hear your stories about your pet peeves, or your take on topics, issues, practices that are important or abhorrent to you. Perhaps you believe refrigerated peanut butter is an abomination that undermines civilization. In My Humble Opinion is your chance to share how and why your viewpoint on a subject came to be. However you interpret this month's theme, we look forward to hearing your true stories.

This is the last chance to earn a spot in our November 2022 Grand Slam!

If you have a story, sign in at the table in the back of the theater when you arrive.

It's a Tie! Lisa Kowalski and Terri Shadle Win Our What Was I Thinking? Story Slam

Congratulations to Lisa Kowalski and Terri Shadle, who tied to win our September story slam. The theme was What Was I Thinking?

Terri (left) and Lisa (center) are pictured here with emcee and Lancaster Story Slam co-producer JJ Sheffer.

Lisa and Terri each won a prized Lancaster Story Slam pint glass and a spot in our 2022 Grand Slam in November.

Save the date for our October 25 story slam. The theme is IMHO. Tickets are on sale now.

What Was I Thinking?

Photo by Randy Flaum

We hope to see you on September 27 at 7 pm at Zoetropolis for this month’s story slam. The theme is What Was I Thinking?, and our host for the evening is Luanne Sims.

Tickets are on sale now. Please visit our Tickets page to get yours.

Doors will open at 6:30 pm that evening, and we start telling stories at 7 pm.

What type of stories fit the theme What Was I Thinking?

We want to hear your stories about carefully thought out and well considered plans that did not take account of that one factor that changed everything. How about that rash decision that turned out well, or not so well? When we Monday morning quarterback our own lives, there be stories to tell. However you interpret this month's theme, we look forward to hearing your true stories.

If you have a story, sign in at the table in the back of the theater when you arrive.

And don’t forget about our free storytelling workshop coming up on September 13! Click here for info and registration details.

Nic Stoltzfus Wins Our Night Skies Story Slam

Congratulations to first-time Lancaster Story Slam attendee Nic Stoltzfus, who won our August story slam.

Nic told the story of when his dog was sprayed by a skunk. Nic is pictured here (left) with emcee and Lancaster Story Slam co-producer Tony Crocamo.

Nic won a prized Lancaster Story Slam pint glass and earned a spot in our 2022 Grand Slam in November.

Save the date for our September 27 story slam. The theme is What Was I Thinking?. Tickets are on sale now.

Workshop Your Story!

Virtual Story Slam Workshop

September 13, 2022
7-8:30 pm
via Zoom
Click here to register

Do you have an idea for a story that isn't quite ready for the main stage? Or maybe you're looking for an opportunity to practice your story before sharing it at an upcoming story slam event? Here's your chance! Join us on Tuesday, September 13 at 7 pm for a virtual storytelling workshop. During this free workshop, you'll have a chance to share your story and receive feedback from other storytellers. This event is open to beginners as well as seasoned storytellers.

This is a FREE workshop, hosted jointly by York and Lancaster Story Slams. If there is sufficient interest, we may host a regular gathering like this next year.

There are a few more chances to share stories onstage this year. Here are the remaining themes for 2022:

September

York Story Slam - Schooled
Lancaster Story Slam - What Was I Thinking?

October

York Story Slam - Last Chance
Lancaster Story Slam - IMHO

Night Skies

Photo by Randy Flaum

We hope to see you on August 23 at 7 pm at Zoetropolis for this month’s story slam. The theme is Night Skies.

Tickets are on sale now. Please visit our Tickets page to get yours.

Doors will open at 6:30 pm that evening, and we start telling stories at 7 pm.

What type of stories fit the theme Night Skies?

We want to hear your stories about discovering constellations, your fear of the dark, howling at the moon, the first time you drove at night, that camping trip. A lot happens under night skies—plenty of stories to tell.  However you interpret this month's theme, we look forward to hearing your true stories.

If you have a story, sign in at the table in the back of the theater when you arrive.

Ryan Roe Wins Our Open Theme Slam

Congratulations to first-time Lancaster Story Slam attendee Ryan Roe, who won our July story slam.

Ryan told a story about growing up with Tourette Syndrome. Ryan is pictured here with emcee Luanne Sims.

Ryan won a prized Lancaster Story Slam pint glass and earned a spot in our 2022 Grand Slam in November.

Save the date for our August 23 story slam. The theme is Night Skies. Tickets are on sale now.

Potluck Potpourri

Photo by Randy Flaum

We hope to see you on July 26 at 7 pm at Zoetropolis for this month’s story slam. The theme is Potluck Potpourri.

Tickets are on sale now. Please visit our Tickets page to get yours.

Doors will open at 6:30 pm that evening, and we start telling stories at 7 pm.

What type of stories fit the theme Potluck Potpourri?

This is an open theme. We want to hear your favorite story. This Story Slam is dedicated to all those who tell us they would like to tell a story, but the right theme has never come up. Here’s your chance. Tell your favorite true story—we’d love to hear it.

If you have a story, sign in at the table in the back of the theater when you arrive.

Mysterious Stranger(s) Slam Ends in A Tie!

Congratulations to Paul Armstrong and Karen Foerstel, who tied to win our June story slam.

Paul told a story about his face-off with a cat that wasn’t his own and Karen told a story about sharing a table with a stranger in a crowded airport bar.

Paul and Karen are pictured here with emcee David Smith (center).

Paul and Karen both won a prized Lancaster Story Slam pint glass and earned spots in our 2022 Grand Slam in November.

If you watch all the stories, perhaps you’ll figure out what the special word was that Dave Smith challenged our storytellers to incorporate into their stories - every one of them managed to do it!

Save the date for our July 27 story slam. The theme is Potluck Potpourri (open theme). Tickets are on sale now.

Mysterious Stranger(s)

Photo by Randy Flaum

We hope to see you on June 28 at 7 pm at Zoetropolis for this month’s story slam. The theme is Mysterious Stranger(s).

Tickets are on sale now. Please visit our Tickets page to get yours.

We’ve been known to sell out of tickets in advance, so it’s a good idea to purchase them ASAP. Doors will open at 6:30 pm that evening, and we start telling stories at 7 pm.

What type of stories fit the theme Mysterious Stranger(s)?

We want to hear your stories about those anonymous people who stray into our lives briefly, but who stay with us forever. What make your mysterious strangers memorable? However you interpret this month's theme, we look forward to hearing your true stories.

If you have a story, sign in at the table in the back of the theater when you arrive.

Please note that we will follow the Zoetropolis COVID-19 policy: "...we have instated that all events open to the public must show proof of vaccination or a negative test result within 72 hours. While in the theater, guests are asked to use masks except while eating or drinking to reduce risk even further.”

Doc Yoder Wins Our Seriously?! Story Slam

Congratulations to Doc Yoder, who our May story slam.

Doc won with his story about a magic trick he performed for his class when he was an elementary school teacher. He is pictured here with emcee Randy Schulz.

Doc won a prized Lancaster Story Slam pint glass and earned a spot in our 2022 Grand Slam in November.

Save the date for our June 28 story slam. The theme is Mysterious Stranger(s). Tickets are on sale now.

SERIOUSLY?!

We hope to see you on May 24 at 7 pm at Zoetropolis for this month’s story slam. The theme is Seriously?

Tickets are on sale now. Please visit our Tickets page to get yours.

We’ve been known to sell out of tickets in advance, so it’s a good idea to purchase them ASAP. Doors will open at 6:30 pm that evening, and we start telling stories at 7 pm.

What type of stories fit the theme Seriously?

We want to hear your stories about that time you saw, heard, or did something that left you flabbergasted, utterly astounded, speechless, and gobsmacked. However you interpret this month's theme, we look forward to hearing your true stories.

If you have a story, sign in at the table in the back of the theater when you arrive.

Please note that we will follow the Zoetropolis COVID-19 policy: "...we have instated that all events open to the public must show proof of vaccination or a negative test result within 72 hours. While in the theater, guests are asked to use masks except while eating or drinking to reduce risk even further.”

Randy Schulz Wins Our Cautious Optimism Story Slam

Congratulations to Randy Schulz, who our April story slam - our first in-person event of 2022!

Randy won with his story about the way he committed the various books of the Bible to memory. He is pictured here with emcee Luanne Sims.

Randy won a prized Lancaster Story Slam pint glass and earned a spot in our 2022 Grand Slam in November.

Save the date for our May 24 story slam. The theme is Seriously? Tickets will be on sale soon. Make sure you’re signed up for our newsletter so you’ll be the first to know.

In the meantime, enjoy the video of our winning story:

Cautiously Optimistic About Returning to In-Person Events

The wait is over! We’ll return to in-person events this month.

We hope to see you on April 26 at 7 pm at Zoetropolis for our return to in-person story slams. The theme is Cautious Optimism.

Tickets are on sale now. Please visit our Tickets page to get yours.

We’ve been known to sell out of tickets in advance, so it’s a good idea to purchase them ASAP. Doors will open at 6:30 pm that evening, and we start telling stories at 7 pm.

What type of stories fit the theme Cautious Optimism?

We want to hear your stories about that time you took a chance hoping for the best. Or the events surrounding your decision to take on that challenge, break with that tradition, strike off on your own. However you interpret this month's theme, we look forward to hearing your true stories.

If you have a story, sign in at the table in the back of the theater when you arrive.

Please note that we will follow the Zoetropolis COVID-19 policy: "...we have instated that all events open to the public must show proof of vaccination or a negative test result within 72 hours. While in the theater, guests are asked to use masks except while eating or drinking to reduce risk even further.”

Randall Arthur Wins Our Second Thoughts Story Slam

Congratulations to Randall Arthur for winning our March story slam - our last virtual slam before we head back to Zoetropolis in April.

Randall won with his story of failing to connect with women in bars until that one night in Michigan that seemed to be the exception.

Randall won a prized Lancaster Story Slam pint glass and earned a spot in our 2022 Grand Slam in November.

Save the date for our April 26 story slam. The theme is Cautious Optimism. Tickets will be on sale soon. Make sure you’re signed up for our newsletter so you’ll be the first to know.

In the meantime, enjoy the video of our winning story:

Second Thoughts

Lancaster Story Slam continues virtually!

Please join us at on March 22 at 7 pm for this month’s virtual story slam. The theme is Second Thoughts, and our host for the evening will be Luanne Sims.

Please visit our Tickets page to register to attend.

Once you register, we'll send you a confirmation email that includes your unique link to watch on March 22. We will begin promptly at 7 pm that evening. You'll be able to see the storytellers as they share their stories; we will not be able to see the audience members.

The event is pay-what-you-can. No ticket fee will be collected when you register; however we will gratefully accept contributions via Venmo and PayPal during the event. If you aren't in a position to give, no problem - please join us anyway.

Want to tell a story?

We're also looking for storytellers. We want to hear your stories about the ‘what ifs’ that come to mind after you’ve made a decision. Do second thoughts about what might have been haunt you or reassure you? Did second thoughts deny you an opportunity, or save you from a mistake? However you interpret the theme, we’d love for you to share those stories.

If you are interested in telling a Worst Case Scenario story, please complete this talent release form to sign up.

Beth Proffitt Wins Our Worst-Case Scenario Story Slam

Congratulations to first-time storyteller Beth Proffitt for winning our February story slam!

Melissa shared a touching story about how she developed a need to be prepared from the time she was a kid, and how she passed that compulsion on to her own children.

Beth won a prized Lancaster Story Slam pint glass and earned the first spot in our 2022 Grand Slam in November.

Save the date for our March 22 virtual story slam. The theme is Second Thoughts. Registration will open soon for audience and storytellers. Make sure you’re signed up for our newsletter so you’ll be the first to know.

In the meantime, enjoy the video of our winning story:

Worst-Case Scenario

Lancaster Story Slam continues virtually!

Please join us at on February 22 at 7 pm for this month’s virtual story slam. The theme is Worst Case Scenario, and our host for the evening will be 2017 Grand Slam champion Tony Crocamo.

Please visit our Tickets page to register to attend.

Once you register, we'll send you a confirmation email that includes your unique link to watch on February 22. We will begin promptly at 7 pm that evening. You'll be able to see the storytellers as they share their stories; we will not be able to see the audience members.

The event is pay-what-you-can. No ticket fee will be collected when you register; however we will gratefully accept contributions via Venmo and PayPal during the event. If you aren't in a position to give, no problem - please join us anyway.

Want to tell a story?

**UPDATE: STORYTELLER SIGN-UPS HAVE CLOSED! Our storyteller roster is full. Please join us in the audience to hear their true stories.**

We're also looking for storytellers. We want to hear your stories of avoiding disaster or dealing with the aftermath of things going from bad to worse and then some. Was there a time when what you thought was the worst thing that could happen was way better than what happened.? Or maybe the Worst-Case Scenario turned out to be better than you could imagine. Tell us your story - what’s the worst that could happen? However you interpret the theme, we’d love for you to share those stories.

If you are interested in telling a Worst Case Scenario story, please complete this talent release form to sign up.

Why I'm Passing the Torch on Lancaster Story Slam

Happy 2022!  There is some good change on the horizon for Lancaster Story Slam. I’ll be passing the torch and I wanted to take this opportunity to provide more detail.

In January 2015, I published a blog post titled, “Why I'm Excited to Produce Lancaster Story Slam,” explaining my journey from watching Jim Breslin’s West Chester Story Slam each month, to convincing him that we should produce the same event in Lancaster. And on January 28th of that year, launched the first Lancaster Story Slam on stage at Tellus360 with the theme “Embarrassing Moments!”

A photo from our 2016 Grand Slam. Pictured from left to right are Jim Breslin, Carla Wilson, Beth Horenkamp, Aaron Lewis, Bryan R. Caine, Audrey Lopez (winner), Aaron Spangler, Tony Crocamo, Matthew Kabik, Rebecca Thatcher Murcia, Liz Yocom, Jamie Beth Cohen and David Smith.

When we moved to Lancaster, I ran a business helping small businesses with their internet marketing.  Treating Lancaster Story Slam as one of my clients by producing the event, its newsletter, its videos, and its podcast was an easy thing to fit into my schedule. But over the course of the last seven years, my work evolved.  I began working exclusively for my favorite client, and in 2021 decided that I would no longer be a business owner, and become his employee.  It became increasingly difficult for me to find time to manage my day job and the necessary tasks of producing a monthly event.

I need to acknowledge that COVID-19 has been no friend to event producers as well. In 2020 we suddenly had to figure out how to “pivot” and “flatten the curve” by making our events virtual to bring everyone together. I am so proud that the Lancaster Story Slam team and JJ Sheffer, producer of York Story Slam, partnered up each month to produce both York’s and Lancaster’s Story Slams.  I am grateful for this partnership, because without it I probably would have just thrown in the towel. Together we not only produced monthly events, but figured out how to produce kick-ass Grand Slams, even with COVID protocols. 

In mid-2021 I realized that I needed to make a change for my well-being, and I began the task of figuring out how I was going to manage this transition away from event producer of Lancaster Story Slam. Not wanting to overshadow our winning storytellers competing in our 2021 Grand Slam, I decided to hold on this announcement until now. 

JJ Sheffer, producer of York Story Slam, is pictured here with emcee Jamie Beth Cohen at the February 2020 event in the Before Times.

That brings us to January 2022.  I am happy to announce that the Lancaster Story Slam will continue with JJ Sheffer and Tony Crocamo at the helm!  I will continue as the Lancaster Story Slam #1 cheerleader, just not its producer. I’m very proud of the community we have created.  Thank you for accepting our event with open arms and allowing it to grow over the past 7 years. Without you, our listeners and storytellers, the event would not have happened. 

Our love and gratitude to Zoetropolis for providing an intimate and safe space to host our events when we’re able to host in person.  

Tony Crocamo competing at our 2019 Grand Slam. Photo credit: Julie Miller Photography

And a special shout-out to LancLiving Realty, whose continued sponsorship is so greatly appreciated.

I look forward to seeing you all, and sitting among you as a storytelling fan in 2022! 

With love,

Carla

Jamie Beth Cohen named "Best Storyteller in Lancaster 2021"

Jamie Beth Cohen was the winner of our “Picture Perfect” Story Slam. Jamie Beth shared the story of an expected tie to an old photograph.

If you missed watching our livestreamed event, you’ll be able to watch it on our YouTube channel in a few days.

Thank you to everyone in our community who supported us this year - whether by being a storyteller, being an audience member, being a judge, or being a sponsor! Your help keeps the show running! Special thanks to LancLiving Realty for their continued support into 2022!

The Grand Slam concludes our seventh season. We’ll be taking a break for the holidays, but we’ll be back in 2022. Watch the Lancaster Story Slam Facebook page for 2022’s dates and themes.

Pictured from left to right: Swapna Deshpande, Doc Yoder, Jamie Beth Cohen, Steve McLean, Steph Holmes, Jack Horenkamp, Mark Lentz and David Smith.

Our Grand Slam judges: Donna Talarico-Beerman, Alex King, and Tony Crocamo.